It wouldn't even matter if Samsung's newest phone was wrapped in pure platinum with a solid gold back plate. If you wrap a turd in gold, you'd still be left with a turd, that happened to be wrapped in gold. The turd here is Android, and Android hardware doesn't really interest me at all.

Plastic is never a premium feeling. It's always the second cheaper choice to realize mass products without premium strategy. Plastic means: We want your maximum bunch of money but we don't give any high quality. We are just looking how to maximize our profit without a real interest in user experience.

Samsung phones look and feel like garbage, but the Nokia Lumia 920's polycarbonate is pretty amazing.

EDIT:

I have to scratch my head at the naysayers of plastic vs. aluminum. Yes, plastic is better able to absorb impacts, but what about that drop test where the iPhone 5 fared so much better than the GS3? Clearly there is more to this than simple materials choice.

I've seen aluminum get oxidized to the point that it became powder so yes it can be rubbed off.

I know what you mean, but I've got a few nicks on an otherwise *lightly used* 2007 MBP and there's no such powder. This isn't like a car wheel that's punished by road salts or something like that. It takes something pretty aggressive to get that bad. I'll see if I can dig up some machined, non-anodized parts that I made eight years ago. Suffice to say, the aluminum will outlast the device.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCProfessor

Have fun with that aluminum stuff the next time you are in a hospital.

Huh? Did you just go passive-aggresive on us? You're free to explain in non-vague terms. I bet what you're thinking is either baloney, or overblown for such minimal contact. There's no "black lung" equivalent for people that handle finished aluminum products, even for those that have machined it for a career, much less for people that touch it occasionally.Edited by JeffDM - 3/5/13 at 8:02pm

I see Android users all the time using phones with cracked screens but I'm sure a little scratch or oxidation would be completely unacceptable. Phones have a maximum life expectancy of about 5 years. Even if you left a piece of uncoated aluminum such as the old aluminum windows, out in the elements for 20 years the oxidation would be so minimal that you could polish it back to new condition with no trouble at all.

What does android have to do with it... I see people with iPhones with cracked screens all the time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apple ][

It wouldn't even matter if Samsung's newest phone was wrapped in pure platinum with a solid gold back plate. If you wrap a turd in gold, you'd still be left with a turd, that happened to be wrapped in gold. The turd here is Android, and Android hardware doesn't really interest me at all.

Please if you do not mind I am just curious as to what in your expert opinion is the reason that android is crap. And why is it that millions of people are buying it over the other options. One of my friends just upgraded from an iPhone 4 to a Galaxy S III she is not a fandroid she just liked it better (Despite me telling her the S IV would be coming out soon).

Please if you do not mind I am just curious as to what in your expert opinion is the reason that android is crap. And why is it that millions of people are buying it over the other options. One of my friends just upgraded from an iPhone 4 to a Galaxy S III she is not a fandroid she just liked it better (Despite me telling her the S IV would be coming out soon).

I've never claimed to be an expert, though I am obviously vastly more informed than the average person walking around on the street, and so are probably most people who follow sites such as this one, with a few exceptions here and there, who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent.

There are so many reasons to give as to why Android is crap, and I'm not going to be here all night listing all of them, so I'll just choose one good reason as to why I personally think that Android is crap.

I'm big into audio and audio is terrible on Android. I love using music apps on iOS. There are a lot of nice synths being released all of the time from various companies. On Android there is this morbid latency which makes audio and music unsuitable for any human with ears. When somebody presses a key on a keyboard, they can't wait around for a half an hour before the sound is actually triggered. And when I mean a half an hour, I don't mean a half an hour literally, the delay may only be in the hundredths of milliseconds, but that delay is very noticeable and completely unacceptable. It's not even useable for amateur use, let alone any professional usage. This problem has been written about many places on the internet, so what I am pointing out here shouldn't exactly be a mystery to anybody.

As to why millions of people are choosing Android, there aren't really that many options out there, and you do have a lot of the carriers pushing a nauseating assortment of Android phones. I assume that economics plays a role, as does poor taste and general ignorance being some of the contributing factors. And as for your anecdotal evidence, I don't doubt it, maybe they just wanted a larger phone. Everybody has different priorities, and my priorities tell me that I would never in a million years use or choose any Android device.

Seriously I am not going to reply to each idiotic post. I will however make mention of KD's assertion that polycarbonate is not plastic.
I a chemist.
Polymers are long chain organic compounds and plastics are polymers.
Polycarbonate is a polymer.
Hence polycarbonate is a plastic.
Sheesh
KD are you all together there?

I've never claimed to be an expert, though I am obviously vastly more informed than the average person walking around on the street, and so are probably most people who follow sites such as this one, with a few exceptions here and there, who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent.

There are so many reasons to give as to why Android is crap, and I'm not going to be here all night listing all of them, so I'll just choose one good reason as to why I personally think that Android is crap.

I'm big into audio and audio is terrible on Android. I love using music apps on iOS. There are a lot of nice synths being released all of the time from various companies. On Android there is this morbid latency which makes audio and music unsuitable for any human with ears. When somebody presses a key on a keyboard, they can't wait around for a half an hour before the sound is actually triggered. And when I mean a half an hour, I don't mean a half an hour literally, the delay may only be in the hundredths of milliseconds, but that delay is very noticeable and completely unacceptable. It's not even useable for amateur use, let alone any professional usage. This problem has been written about many places on the internet, so what I am pointing out here shouldn't exactly be a mystery to anybody.

As to why millions of people are choosing Android, there aren't really that many options out there, and you do have a lot of the carriers pushing a nauseating assortment of Android phones. I assume that economics plays a role, as does poor taste and general ignorance being some of the contributing factors. And as for your anecdotal evidence, I don't doubt it, maybe they just wanted a larger phone. Everybody has different priorities, and my priorities tell me that I would never in a million years use or choose any Android device.

That's odd I find no such lag present on my Nexus 4. I love listening to music on my phone I have no problems with the quality and I am almost certain android has more music player apps than IOS. Try a nexus 4 out you will be pleasantly surprised at what a nice piece of tech it is (minus the lack of lte and its crap camera) its a one, if not the best smart phone you can buy

That's odd I find no such lag present on my Nexus 4. I love listening to music on my phone I have no problems with the quality and I am almost certain android has more music player apps than IOS. Try a nexus 4 out you will be pleasantly surprised at what a nice piece of tech it is (minus the lack of lte and its crap camera) its a one, if not the best smart phone you can buy

Unfortunately for some, the iPhone is the best smartphone money can buy. It's the best looking, it's fast, it has the best mobile OS on the planet, it's more secure, it has a much better ecosystem, better production values, etc.

And Android is really a second rate OS. It feels like various technical bits and pieces cobbled together to semi work together. The interface lags compared to iPhone and it seems to slow down over time compared to iPhone. Transitions are nowhere near as smooth on any android device.

Android is acceptable when marketed as the cheapo alternative. Not the high end model.

Why pay too much money for a souped up ford fiesta (android) when you can have the legitimate Lamborghini at that price.

The only good reason to go android is when it is cheap or free.

It's like Ross versus Armani.

You go to Ross because it's cheap. The clothes may fit funny but you love them anyway because they are cheap. But when you want quality, you go upscale. Cheaper isn't better, it's just more accessible.

But then there is the premium product that you actually want. That's the iPhone. If money were no object, android wouldn't have a reason to exist.

It's ok Samsung and google make phones running this system. Many people need something cheap.

But please don't go Pretending that it's something premium or that it competes favorably with ios. And then please let's not pretend that crappy plastic is somehow preferable to true high class materials like aluminum and glass.

Unfortunately for some, the iPhone is the best smartphone money can buy. It's the best looking, it's fast, it has the best mobile OS on the planet, it's more secure, it has a much better ecosystem, better production values, etc.

So? Polycarbonate has been used in creating bulletproof shields for decades. If this is news to you, you're seriously behind the times.

But what does that have to do with the silly claims being made here about how high quality Samsung's shovelware phone is?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hfts

Seriously I am not going to reply to each idiotic post. I will however make mention of KD's assertion that polycarbonate is not plastic.
I a chemist.
Polymers are long chain organic compounds and plastics are polymers.
Polycarbonate is a polymer.
Hence polycarbonate is a plastic.
Sheesh
KD are you all together there?

Obviously not. You also missed DaHarder's assertion that polycarbonates are "advanced composites" which is equally laughable.

"I'm way over my head when it comes to technical issues like this"Gatorguy 5/31/13

Seriously I am not going to reply to each idiotic post. I will however make mention of KD's assertion that polycarbonate is not plastic.

I made no such assertion. Some of you just don't bother to follow a thread, in your haste to respond.

AppleInsider wrote:

Quote:

Even other Android handset makers are making the switch to higher quality elements. HTC's One, for example, uses an aluminum frame, while Nokia has opted to use harder polycarbonate for its Lumia series of phones.

That's odd I find no such lag present on my Nexus 4. I love listening to music on my phone I have no problems with the quality and I am almost certain android has more music player apps than IOS. Try a nexus 4 out you will be pleasantly surprised at what a nice piece of tech it is (minus the lack of lte and its crap camera) its a one, if not the best smart phone you can buy

It's not about listening to music. It's about creating music. That's where the problem lies.

The comprehension escaped you. I was indeed talking about the actual case.

Originally Posted by cnocbui
Because for many people, they were essential for proper functionality and were required to fix a design defect, so considering them an 'optional' case would be disingenuous.

Aluminum is self healinig. When it get scratched a layer of aluminum oxide (AKA sapphire) forms and protects it from further corrosion. A good grade of aluminum will not oxidize to white powder. That type of corrosion is unique to poor alloy control. It was/is very common in zinc alloys. Chrysler chrome trim was especially bad for this and often fell apart after a couple of years. The root cause is a mix of dissimilar metals which results in intergranular corrosion due to the galvanic action of the metals. Aircraft grade aluminum will not corrode in this manner.

Of course all bets are off in a highly corrosive atmospehere. Put drop of mercury on you iphone and the case will turn to powder very quickly.

Anodizing is a chemical process that grows a thicker oxide layer. Dyes can be addded during the process to add color. It's a very simple process and can be done at home.

Since I already use a case to help protect the screen I have no objection to a plastic case.

So? Polycarbonate has been used in creating bulletproof shields for decades. If this is news to you, you're seriously behind the times.

But what does that have to do with the silly claims being made here about how high quality Samsung's shovelware phone is?
Obviously not. You also missed DaHarder's assertion that polycarbonates are "advanced composites" which is equally laughable.

You certainly are missing the point. Do I really have to explain this?

Okay.

Since most people on here are claiming that Samsung is making "cheap" "plasticky" phones that are of "low quality" and "crap", I was pointing it out that their "plastic" is not "crap" nor are they "low quality". Since their phones are made out of polycarbonate (the kinds that are used in bullet proof vests). Meaning, they are not "cheap" and "low quality".

Instead they are "high quality" materials.

What the fanboys here are missing is the fact that bias against anything other than Apple. They refuse to acknowledge that fact.

Please dont let blind allegiance get to your head.

"Like I said before, share price will dip into the $400." - 11/21/12 by Galbi

I made no such assertion. Some of you just don't bother to follow a thread, in your haste to respond.

AppleInsider wrote:

All I said was that the S3 also used polycarbonate. That's it.

I followed the thread it was about 5 posts long after you posted.
I also read the article.
Even Samsung says its made of plastic.
Polycarbonate is a plastic.
So why did you post that its made of polycarbonate again?
To place a doubt or twist in some of the people's mind that polycarbonate is NOT plastic. Most people equate plastic with cheap. I know it's properties and advantages.
No one is saying that its flimsy or damages easily, it doesn't. We are commenting on the asthetics of the device. It's obvious that it does look "cheap", even compared to other handsets made of a similar material. To insult Apple and even attempt to say its on par is riidicolous.
I still call you out on spinning. I simply want you to stop this BS.
I want you to stop making sermons to us.
I, certainly don't need you to impart any knowledge to me.

I followed the thread it was about 5 posts long after you posted.
I also read the article.
Even Samsung says its made of plastic.
Polycarbonate is a plastic.
So why did you post that its made of polycarbonate again?
To place a doubt or twist in some of the people's mind that polycarbonate is NOT plastic. Most people equate plastic with cheap. I know it's properties and advantages.
No one is saying that its flimsy or damages easily, it doesn't. We are commenting on the asthetics of the device. It's obvious that it does look "cheap", even compared to other handsets made of a similar material. To insult Apple and even attempt to say its on par is riidicolous.
I still call you out on spinning. I simply want you to stop this BS.
I want you to stop making sermons to us.
I, certainly don't need you to impart any knowledge to me.

Apple has offered products with polycarbonate cases. They weren't cheap. If/When Apple introduces a lower-priced iPhone using a polycarbonate shell I'll be quite surprised if you describe it as cheap either.

Apple has offered products with polycarbonate cases. They weren't cheap. If/When Apple introduces a lower-priced iPhone using a polycarbonate shell I'll be quite surprised if you describe it as cheap either.

Tt will be cheap if they do. and the price will probably reflect that.

The old white polycarbonate (plastic) macbooks were too.

Apple makes nice cheap products and nice high end ones.

But this is about Samsung's claim in why they use plastic.

It can look nice, it's cheap, it's easy to form. but it's not a premium material.

So this has been a long thread that could be summarized as:

"OK Samsung. First point was great for cheapness and ease of manufacturing. But Let's not be ridiculous with this 'premium' talk."

You certainly are missing the point. Do I really have to explain this?

Okay.

Since most people on here are claiming that Samsung is making "cheap" "plasticky" phones that are of "low quality" and "crap", I was pointing it out that their "plastic" is not "crap" nor are they "low quality". Since their phones are made out of polycarbonate (the kinds that are used in bullet proof vests). Meaning, they are not "cheap" and "low quality".

Instead they are "high quality" materials.

What the fanboys here are missing is the fact that bias against anything other than Apple. They refuse to acknowledge that fact.

Please dont let blind allegiance get to your head.

The only fanboys here are those trolling an Apple enthusiast site with pro Samsung/anti-Apple nonsense like "plastic is better than aluminum and glass."

And yes, polycarbonate is plastic, which is "cheap" compared to aluminum and glass.

It wouldn't even matter if Samsung's newest phone was wrapped in pure platinum with a solid gold back plate. If you wrap a turd in gold, you'd still be left with a turd, that happened to be wrapped in gold. The turd here is Android, and Android hardware doesn't really interest me at all.

@ igriv - Read and comprehend please.

Don't just fire off some hurt response all random.

What he meant was, no matter if Samsung actually did go ahead and use premium materials like Apple does, it would still be doomed to run Android plus Samsungs little touches to it, like badly copied App icons.

That is the turd. And the materials surrounding it is the "polish" if you will.

I think that we already know that an iDevice is the only thing you would ever consider -- it does not matter if the S4 has a nicer screen (it almost certainly does), a faster processor (it almost certainly does), a better keyboard and voice recognition (its predecessor already does), a better camera (extremely likely), etc, etc. It does not have a half-eaten fruit drawn on it, so you don't want it, without even having seen it. OK, OK, I get it.

But it's only evolutionary and not revolutionary. Instant fail. Oh that argument is only for Apple. Sorry.